Planning for a Productive Podiatrist Visit

At Goldsmith Podiatry, providing the best podiatric health care is our number one priority and that depends, in part, on getting all the information we need from you, the patient.

Here are few tips on prepping for your appointment:

Wear your favorite shoes—your shoes can tell the podiatrist quite a bit about your feet. Gait and biomechanical dysfunction may be evident by the wear pattern. If you are experiencing foot pain while playing a sport or when exercising, bring the shoes you use for that activity. Our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith or Dr. Rosanna Troia, will also want to get a complete medical history and information about your job and lifestyle to get a total picture of your foot health issues.

Make a list—it’s a good idea to write down any questions you have about foot issues and also to note some details about symptoms you’re are experiencing, such as: when the pain started, if it is constant or intermittent and what seems to make it worse or better. Go over your list with the foot doctor to make sure you are not forgetting anything you wanted to address during your appointment.

Bring your meds—it’s important for the podiatrist to know if you are taking any medications or receiving treatment for any medical conditions. Several systemic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and peripheral arterial disease have serious ramifications for your feet and the foot doctor will want to work in conjunction with other physicians and treatments you are receiving.

Ask for help—if your foot condition is making it difficult to walk or climb stairs, call our New York City office ahead of time and alert the staff to any special help you might need. You may also wish to ask a family member or friend to accompany you to be a second set of ears to hear and understand the information and treatment instructions the podiatrist will give you.

Before you leave the office, make sure all of your questions are answered and that you understand fully your diagnosis and the treatment the podiatrist is prescribing. Make any follow up appointments that are needed. And, of course, if you have questions after you get home or your symptoms worsen, contact us by calling: (212) 877-1002.